Hawks have something to prove against Ducks

Nemesis rallied to win twice in 3rd period to hand them 2 of their losses this season

March 29, 2013|By Brian Hamilton, Chicago Tribune reporter

The Ducks' Bobby Ryan checks the Hawks' Patrick Kane into the boards during their teams' game last week in Anaheim, Calif. (Danny Moloshok/Reuters photo)

Whatever good the Blackhawks have done this season, not quite enough has been done against the Ducks.

Their nearest pursuers in the Western Conference were victors in both meetings, and the Hawks have plenty of regrets for blown third-period leads. One more game Friday won't define the season, but it might define the context of any postseason collision.

"If we get matched up against them (in the playoffs), it's always nice to have a win under your belt and not feel like you lost the season series against them," winger Viktor Stalberg said. "For sure we're going to try to get a win here and get some confidence out of that."

That will demand a smart, efficient game from start to finish, limiting mistakes in puck placement or bad changes that spur the Ducks' deadly transition game. That the visitors (22-7-4) have lost four straight since defeating the Hawks (25-4-3) on March 20 doesn't matter much to the hosts.

"Hopefully we can get some revenge on them," winger Patrick Kane said. "Any time you play a team like this, or the other night against (the Kings), there are some good measuring sticks for us. With the season they have been having, the success they have had against us so far this year, it would be nice to get one back on them."

Way of Ray:Ray Emery and his 12-0-0 record will get a second straight start in net Friday. Corey Crawford has surrendered eight goals in his last two starts and Hawks coach Joel Quenneville appears to be rewarding Emery's shutout effort last time out.

"It certainly has helped him," Quenneville said. "All year long, he has been consistent in the net and predictable. We're very pleased with him."

Slapshot, snapshot: Kane attended the Bulls' streak-busting victory over the Heat on Wednesday night. But the memorable moments extended to a pregame introduction to — and picture with — LeBron James.

"First and foremost, we're obviously Chicago fans in here," Kane said. "But I've just been a big LeBron fan ever since he came into the league and have a great respect for what he has done throughout his career.

"I don't want to say I seemed like a superfan, but you're excited to meet him, and myself and (Patrick Sharp) got some pictures. Definitely something you won't forget for a long time."